A new project is being launched to help the Island's seafood sector to thrive.
The Manx seafood sector supports 250 local jobs, with the vast majority of catches being exported, mainly to the UK, France and Spain.
As well as Manx kippers, scallops and queenies, exports of crab, lobster and whelk find appreciative markets as far afield as Korea.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is now looking for a dynamic ‘champion’ for Manx seafoods, capable of working closely with fishermen, processors and salesmen within the sector, building on these advantages, that will reassure consumers throughout Europe that Manx seafoods are of the highest quality, and come from sustainable, well managed fisheries.
Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, explained, "Manx seafood has a huge number of advantages over its competitors, including quality, freshness and sustainable management.
"The Island is already forging an international reputation for innovative management of its fisheries, it is my hope that this initiative will extend this international recognition to the provenance and quality of the seafoods that we produce and export worldwide through development of a quality assured Manx seafood brand."
The post holder will be expected to implement a marketing plan that has been developed by the Department and industry, assisting the catching and processing sectors to adopt best practice, to develop the infrastructure required, and to develop both the brand, and a detailed marketing campaign to support it.
Application forms for the post, details of the marketing plan, the job and person specification can all be downloaded from http://www.gov.im/isleofman/VacancySearch.aspx?all=1 or obtained from Andy Read, Director of Fisheries (Tel: 685837).
The closing date for applications is 14th April 2010.
